GVA WATCH ADVISORS combines deep industry expertise with strategic insight to help watch collectors navigate the opaque market, protect and diversify assets, and build tailored, forward-thinking watch collecting strategies.

What We Do

Collection Management & Strategy

With deep experience in assembling or selling high-caliber collections, we develop watch collection strategies separate from pre-owned marketplaces, auction houses, and dealers, ensuring each acquisition or sale aligns with your vision and goals.

Areas of Expertise

  • Guidance on building and curating a collection, focusing on rarity, historical significance, and long-term asset potential.

  • Sourcing and authentication of sought-after timepieces through auctions, private dealers, and exclusive channels, leveraging industry relationships to secure limited and rare pieces.

  • Maximizing the value of a watch collection through independent insights, strategies, and management

  • Organization of documents and collections with detailed records for insurance, provenance, and estate planning.

  • Advisory on proper storage, servicing, and maintenance to preserve value and condition.

Watch Industry Analysis

We provide comprehensive, data-driven insights, uncovering global market trends, emerging opportunities, brand performance, and long-term value prospects.

Areas of Expertise

  • Detailed examination of your watch portfolio to provide comprehensive, data-driven insights to ensure your collection aligns seamlessly with your long-term objectives.

  • Insights into vintage vs. contemporary watch demand and shifts in purchasing behavior, and identification of undervalued independent brands or models poised for growth.

  • Comparative analysis of key brands in terms of sales, market share, brand equity and customer sentiment.

  • Insights into auction trends, resale values, and performance of specific watch models.

Professional Appraisal Services

We provide comprehensive, independent written appraisal reports, ensuring impartiality by remaining separate from any venue selling the property for profit. Each report adheres to the rigorous standards of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and is fully compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Areas of Expertise

  • Tax & Estate Planning

  • Financial Planning

  • Family Division & Matrimonial Disputes

  • Insurance

  • Charitable donations

  • Damage & post-loss

  • Watch Loan

  • Potential Sale

  • Expert Witness

Customized Consulting Solutions

We provide tailored solutions to individual client needs, such as advising on watch-related philanthropy, corporate gifting, or other bespoke services to support every facet of your watch-related goals.

Areas of Expertise

  • Watch authentication

  • Negotiations

  • Educational workshops

  • Auction Representation

  • Other bespoke services

Our Clients

Private Collectors
Attorneys
Family Offices
Financial Advisors
Trustees or Fiduciaries
Beneficiaries
Insurance Agents

Estate Planners
Private Bankers
Auction Houses
Museums
Watch Fairs & Organizations
Charities

Combining market-leading insights with independent, transparent advice.

PRIVATE

NEUTRAL

OBJECTIVE

INDEPENDENT

CONFIDENTIAL

Case Studies

  • An important client sought to acquire a high six-figure Patek Philippe listed at a major auction. The auction house and Condition Report assured us the watch was unpolished, but our thorough due diligence revealed otherwise.

    By researching the watch’s provenance and comparing historical sales records, we uncovered that the same piece had previously been sold by a competing auction house. Earlier images showed scratches and dents that were no longer visible, indicating the watch had been polished despite claims to the contrary.

    Safeguarding Against Misrepresented Luxury Watches

    With the client’s best interest in mind, we acted swiftly to revoke the bid, protecting him from a misrepresented purchase. This proactive decision saved the client from making a costly mistake, highlighting the importance of working with an independent watch consultant who prioritizes accuracy and transparency.

    Our expertise in the watch market ensures that clients avoid pitfalls often associated with high-stakes auction purchases. Whether you're buying, selling, or need an appraisal on a valuable watch, we provide the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate complex transactions confidently.

  • When a renowned entrepreneur unexpectedly passed away, he left behind a prestigious multimillion-dollar watch collection to be divided among his seven closest friends. The beneficiaries faced the challenge of handling this high-value collection while maintaining its integrity and provenance. That's where we stepped in.

    As an independent watch consultant, we provided independent guidance, free from the influence of auction houses and dealers vying to acquire the collection. Our expert advice focused on preserving the collection's value and ensuring a strategic sales process that would benefit all parties involved.

    Comprehensive Watch Appraisal and Strategic Planning

    We conducted a meticulous watch appraisal and analysis, taking into account the unique characteristics, market trends, and potential value of each piece. By understanding each beneficiary's goals, we facilitated smooth negotiations and recommended a premier auction house renowned for managing high-end, single-owner watch sales.

    Record-Breaking Auction Results

    Our proactive approach, including triangulating auction results, advising on marketing strategies, preserving the collection's provenance and preparing detailed documentation, resulted in outstanding auction results. The collection achieved higher-than-expected prices, exceeding industry benchmarks and rewarding the beneficiaries with significant financial returns.

    Honoring Legacy and Maximizing Value

    Through careful planning, we ensured the collection was divided equitably, honoring the original owner's legacy. The beneficiaries benefited from our expertise in the pre-owned watch market, gaining both financial rewards and peace of mind.

    Whether you're handling an estate or managing a private watch collection, our tailored approach delivers exceptional outcomes. Contact us to learn how we can help maximize the value of your high-end watch collection.

  • We had the privilege of assisting a prominent athlete in turning his passion for watches into a diversified, long-term investment portfolio. By analyzing watch market trends and assessing value potential, we helped him curate a collection that balances personal style with investment growth.

    Curating a Strategic Watch Collection

    Our approach involved acquiring a well-rounded mix of modern classics, vintage icons, and independent watchmakers, ensuring the collection's versatility and value. Leveraging private sales, auctions, and reputable dealers, we secured rare and exceptional timepieces that aligned with his financial and personal goals.

    Portfolio Optimization

    To maximize the portfolio’s growth, we provided ongoing market analysis and strategic advice, enabling timely adjustments based on market conditions. Today, his collection not only reflects his distinctive taste but also serves as a robust alternative investment asset, offering both financial security and cultural significance.

    Buy Watches with Expert Guidance

    Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the luxury watch market, our tailored services help you build a collection that merges passion with peace of mind.

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